8 Tiny Habits That Make You Happier
Proof that you don't have to overhaul your life to increase your joy.
Do This Before You Walk Out the Front Door in the Morning
The old routine: Run through the phone-keys-wallet mental checklist.
The new habit: Add sunglasses to the list.
Why you'll be happier: Your mood and your facial muscles are linked—you've no doubt heard about the research showing that just forcing a smile improves your mood. Following that logic, squinting (which mimics the look you take on when you're mad as heck) can make you feel angry, says Daniele Marzoli, PhD, a psychologist at Italy's University of Chieti-Pescara, who adds that the effect is pretty much instantaneous. A pair of stylish sunglasses will solve the problem.
Published 02/23/2016